What are the 4 basic functions of an electric lock?

“The small tough guy in the right place”

This article explains what is an electric lock and why it’s worthy to install it on an automated swing gate. We have described all the main functions and advantages of this device. Learn how to strengthen your gate and how to avoid many dangerous situations thanks to this simple mechanism!

What is an electric lock? In which situations it can be used? Why should it be installed on a gate? What are the advantages of this simple and cheap device? Why the installer or the seller proposes to buy it? After reading this article you will know all the answers.
The electric lock is a very simple device. A solid steel casing can look like a unaesthetic and useless gate automation element. However is a crucial element of gate automation. The mechanism is composed of a lock which is locked or opened in dependence of the current is flowing trough or not. In case of a power break the device can be unlocked with a key. The key of the electric lock construction is the lock tongue.

The solid bar jams in the right position in the lock base and effectively locks the gate.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Why should you install such a device on your gate? There are many answers but you have to ask the right questions. In the gate automation domain aesthetics shouldend be priority.

What’s important:

good gate automation performance

securing and strengthening the gate

reduction of all negative forces which affects the gate during exploitation.

The most important questions you should ask yourself:

The gate leafs are long and heavy?

Is the gate fully filled?

Is there a lot of wind in your region? (heavy blowing wind at the coast for ex.)

You are concerned someone can try to force the gate open?

If you answered “YES” to one or more questions that means you need an electric lock. This simple device is the solution for all those problems.

1. FIRST FUNCTION – FULL LOCKDOWN

Firstable the electric lock guarantees that the gate is properly locked and closed. The gate motors makes a final “push” during the closing phase, it ensures the tongue of the lock jumps into the right place on the lock base. A proper closed position is the basic function, but you can’t say it’s not important.

There are two basic kinds of electric locks, one for horizontal (1) and one for vertical (2) installation.

2. SECOND FUNCTION – IMMOVABLE

Long and heavy gate leafs can be bent to the ground under their own weight. This occurrence is straining the gate operators, affected by the mechanical movements in closed position (you can’t cheat gravity…).

The electric lock stiffens the gate and holds it in the proper position.

Thanks to this the unfavorable forces are minimized and the gate motors can work undisturbed for a longer period of time.

3. THIRD FUNCTION – “AGAINST THE WIND”

There is a serious danger for all automated gates, especially if the gate is partially or fully filled. The gate is held by the gate operators, if the wind is to strong it can force the gate to open. Such a “breaking in” can severely affect the gate operators or even destroy them. Residential gate motors can be easily harmed, stronger devices can handle the wind but they will be also affected by harmful mechanical forces.

The savior is an electric lock! Once again it stiffens and reinforces the gate minimizing the gate bending during windy weather.

4. FOURTH FUNCTION – GUARDIAN

Most gate motors are locking after the gate is closed (it means you can’t open the gate by pushing it) but sometimes a brutal force can unlock the motors. It means someone can try to break-in by pushing the gate with enough strength. Using an electric lock makes it almost impossible.

RESUME

In sum the electric lock is a simple device which covers a number of important functions. It protects the gate against harmful forces (wind or passive gate leafs bending). All automation producers have electric locks in their offers. You can improve your gate and avoid accidents (it’s not a big expense). It’ worth to consider an electric lock.